Self-examination and the study of human nature is a great work, I think, if I have the right estimate upon them, having studied myself and others, having the Scriptures in my mind more than forty long years, as the scale whereby to discern between right and wrong, truth and error; yet, if the truths of the Scriptures are not sent home upon the heart by the Divine Spirit, they will be like the moon-light upon the cold snow. I feel thankful to-day that my mother, though long dead, taught me in early life to read the Scriptures, for they are the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Not only good fathers and mothers teach their children to read the word of God, but our Divine Redeemer says, "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me." CHAPTER II. This chapter is dedicated to the most essential things of my life, from my boyhood up to my twenty-first birth-day, March 4, 1833. Sabbath morning, May, I feel thankful that I was not left without parents in my childhood like many little children; I also feel grateful that I had a pious mother, a kind and an affectionate father, to advise and instruct me in the ways of truth and righteousness; I am happy to-day because I listened to the sweet counsel of my mother and obeyed the laws of the united head of the God-like pair who have crossed over the river of death. While I am writing, my mind is carried back to my boyhood and my school days, and child-like plays of innocence, when all seemed like a little paradise below; it gladdens my heart to review those pleasant days of my childhood and call to memory many of my associates, and the little plays and prattles we had together in our innocent days. But a long time has intervened between those happy and youthful days, and many joys, many sorrows and afflictions, trials, sufferings and disappointments, and even death, has been the lot of many of the little paradise family. Yet there are some who have arrived to man and womanhood, became pious fathers and mothers, and even grandparents, and are now occupying high and important places in the church of Christ and community; these have come up through much tribulation, as says the inspired writer.